Al Qaeda Plans for Israel War

As I was reading through the news today, I came across an article which details a new audio message that was intercepted, which said, “Iran will attack American installations in the Gulf, encourages its proxies in Iraq and Afghanistan to attack Americans, and engage in a global terror campaign.”

Amazingly, the message was delivered by Saeed al Shehri, whom the United States held in Guantanamo for six years, before being released and now has emerged as leading Jihad once again from Yemen.

If you have the time, be sure to read the entire article.

Until next time…

Hidden Treasure Trove

As I write the daily devotion each day, and I place a passage of scripture within the message — I find myself studying the Hebrew or the Greek of the Word, since I modify the verse slightly to make it easier to read for our worldwide audience, while at the same time making sure the translation doesn’t lose its meaning.  However, today I came across a verse whose meaning is so deep in Hebrew, there’s truly no way to give it justice when you translate it to English.

In Isaiah 33:6 it says this, ‘Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure.’

Now the word stability is the Hebrew word — em-oo-nah, the word is most often translated as faith — however, in this instance, the translators decided to go with the English word, stability. Next the word, strength could be easily be translated as wealth, or treasure. And the word salvation is the same root as the word Yeshua (Jesus).  Finally, the word treasure could easily be translated as “storehouse” or “treasure house”.

Now in Hebrew, the order of the words is different than the translation.  This verse could easily be translated, “And He will be the faith of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure house.”

And even that translation doesn’t give it justice in the Hebrew.

Truly, it is the “glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of Kings to search out a matter.”

Until next time…

Reader’s Question: I’ve noticed other than KJV lately?

I’ve noticed other than KJV lately – will you continue to do so. Blessings, aL

Personally, I’m a King James preferred reader and I’ve used the KJV as the scripture for Worthy Devotions for years, however, we’ve recently changed to accommodate the 10,000 or so daily Worthy Brief readers whose native language is not English.

I’m always amazed how the enemy will use this as an issue to divide the body.  The reality is that the only PERFECT Bible is in the orginal Hebrew and Greek.

Most people, don’t realize that when the United States was founded — it was founded by Pilgrims and Puritans many of which refused to use the King James Version.  The Bible they used was the Geneva Bible, because they had serious problems with the Church of England from which the King James Bible is derived.  Why? Because they were fleeing persecution from the Church of England!

So logically you’re next question would be — well if George isn’t using the King James version, which version is he using?  Well, honestly it depends on the verse!   In many of the newer translations, I have some serious concerns with portions of scripture that have been omitted that clearly should be in the translation. So I’ve done my best to choose which version that accurately portrays the Scripture as it was intended.

For example, the other day I had a dilemma and so I checked the Greek and made an alteration to the NKJV to better bring the concept of what Paul intended.

KJV version of 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 says this,

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Now the New King James Version of the same passage says this,

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Now the New King James Version was easier to read, however there’s a word that I disliked and so I altered it when I sent out the devotional.  The word was — arguments.  Not truly the best word here.   The Greek word here is log-is-mos from which we get the word — logic!  I actually couldn’t find in either the THAYER’s GREEK, or the STRONG’s concordance whereby this word was ever defined as “arguments.”  The best rendering for this word, would be thoughts or imaginations.  So what to do?  So I did my best to accurately convey the heart of the message when I sent out the devotional in a fashion that was a little easier to read.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

So I tried to remain faithful to the original meaning while at the same time making it just a little easier to read for our readers across the globe.

I hope this answer the question adequately, however I realize this is a highly controversial subject and the decision to accommodate readers across the globe wasn’t taken lightly and prayerfully considered.

Until next time…

Reader’s Question: Jesus spoke of destroying terror – what does that mean?

dear george,i was reading my bible this morning and jesus talked of DESTROYING TERROR,and i do not know what that means,and daniel talked of it too.oh well,please respond if you can,thanks and god bless…

It took me a little bit to figure out what you were referring to, but I did an online parallel Bible search on the word “terror” and I believe I found what you were referencing in Matthew 24:15.

Matthew 24:15 “Daniel the prophet spoke about ‘the destroying terror.’ You will see this standing in the holy place.” (You who read this should understand what it means.) — New Century Version

In this particular passage, Yeshua (Jesus) is referring to the events prior to His return as referenced in Matthew 24:3 —

Matthew 24:3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

The verse you are referring to is a picture of an event that already took place, yet a double fulfillment is in store since Yeshua mentioned it specifically in Matthew 24.  So in order to understand this particular passage, you have to study a little bit of history.  This is a brief description of what happened roughly 2,150 years ago.

Over 150 years before Jesus’ birth, a group of Jewish warriors led by Judah Maccabee, defeated Anticochus IV. Though terribly outnumbered by their foes, the Maccabees triumphed over the Grecian Syrian Empire. This led to the establishment of Chanukah — the feast of dedication.

Judah entered into Jerusalem only to find the Temple desecrated by a sacrificed pig and an idol of Zeus. Upon seeing this, he immediately began to cleanse the Temple. — read more at Worthy Devotions

So the “abomination of desolation” was the worship of a pig in the midst of the Temple.  We know that Paul talks about the rising of the man of sin (anti-christ) and how he sits as God in the Temple of God, a picture of a coming “abomination of desolation”.  In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, it says:

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,  who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

So ‘the destroying terror’ is a picture of the anti-christ rising to power in the future, becoming a type of the “abomination of desolation”, and the means by which he deceives the entire world.  Obviously, I could go into greater detail, but I’m limited in time today.  May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to study His Word!

Until next time…

by George Whitten, Watchmen in the Wilderness

Reader’s Question: Can you recommend a book on the Biblical Feasts?

Love your website have been reading it for a while now. I was looking for a book telling me all about the Jewishness of our faith, and especially all the feasts, and  the importance of each. Could you recommend one that would best have all this so I could purchase it. Thank U  for  your time and ministry.  Maranatha Donna

Yes, there’s quite a few books out there that discuss the Biblical Feasts and their prophetic significance.  These are two that I would recommend.

Fall Feasts of Israel by Mitch Glazer
The Fall Feasts of Israel by Mitch Glazer.  The following is a description of the book.

Understanding the purpose and traditions of the Jewish feasts will give you a deeper appreciation for your God, your heritage, and the gift of redemption provided by the sacrificial death of Christ.The Fall Feasts of Israel will help you understand three of Israel’s most significant festivals: Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. A complete examination of each feast includes a look at its biblical institution, its celebration in the time of Christ, and its observances by Jews today.’The feasts and laws of the Lord were a tutor to lead the Israelites to the Savior …. The festivals find their fulfillment in Christ and His New Covenant.’Understanding the purpose and traditions of the Jewish feasts will give you a deeper appreciation for your God, your heritage, and the gift of redemption provided by the sacrificial death of Christ. The Fall Feasts of Israel will help you understand three of Israel’s most significant festivals: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. A complete examination of each feast includes a look at its biblical institution, its celebration in the time of Christ, and its observance by Jews today. The Fall Feasts of Israel will give you insight into what God originally intended for the sacrificial offerings.

Feasts of the Lord by Howard and Rosenthal
Feasts of the Lord by Howard and Rosenthal.  The following is a brief description of the book.

Isreal’s feasts are infinitely more important than just a series of cultural observances. These feasts are appointed by the Lord, and they are owned by the Lord. He calls them “my feasts.” Together they form God’s prophetic calendar, outlining the work of history’s most important person…Jesus, the Messiah. As such, few themes are more timely or rewarding for God’s people today.

The Feasts of the Lord covers all aspects of the biblical feasts…historical background, biblical observance, and prophetic significance. Yet, this book is not just another reference book on the feasts. It is written from the Hebrew Christian viewpoint, helping you to see the feasts through Jewish eyes.

The words of the Savior, His messianic claims, and Bible prophecy will all take on a rich, new relevance for you against the exciting backdrop of The Feasts of the Lord.

If you have a question, feel free to ask!  Until next time…

by George Whitten, Watchmen in the Wilderness

Reader’s Question: Is the Church Ready for Hard Times?

George, Do you think that the Church is adequately prepared for hard times – or do you feel the Church has any need to be concerned about it? … If we should be concerned about it, what kind of preparations would you suggest?

First of all, let me say that I don’t believe anyone is truly prepared for the hardest times — however I believe those who are truly walking with the Lord will be given the power to overcome even the toughest times.

Personally, I believe there’s too much credence given to an escapism mentality that doesn’t perfectly align with Scripture.

For example it says in 1 Peter 4:17-18 (NKJV)  For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

If you truly want to be prepared for tough times, I believe the Lord answers this question Himself in Joel 2.

Joel 2:11 (NKJV) The Lord gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it?

Joel 2:12-13 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.

So the first step of any type of preparation is a “spiritual one”!

Until next time…

by George Whitten, Watchmen in the Wilderness

Is the Messiah’s Name Revealed by Prominent Rabbi?

One of Israel’s most prominent rabbis, Yitzhak Kaduri, shortly before he died wrote the name of the Messiah on a small note which he requested would remain sealed. When the note was opened, it revealed the name: Yehoshua or Yeshua!

Below is a fascinating 5-minute video detailing the story! Take a few minutes and watch it.

by George Whitten, Watchmen in the Wilderness

Who is Elam?

I recently received an email in which someone was wondering why I believed so strongly that a strike against Iran is inevitable? I thought I would take the time to answer this Biblically.

There is a unique passage of Scripture in Jeremiah that I believe really points to the current events of our day in relation to Israel and Iran.

Jeremiah 49:34-39  The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.  And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.   For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them: And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD. But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

The first question you must ask here is — “Who is Elam?”  This is a brief description of Elam from Wikipedia.

Elam is the name of an ancient civilization located in what is now southwest Iran. Archaeological evidence associated with Elam has been dated to before 5000 BCE.  According to available written records, it is known to have existed beginning from around 3200 BC — making it among the world’s oldest historical civilizations — and to have endured up until 539 BC. Elam was centered in the far west and southwest of modern-day Iran, stretching from the lowlands of Khuzestan and Ilam Province (which takes its name from Elam), as far as Jiroft in Kerman province and Burned City in Zabol, as well as a small part of southern Iraq. — Source – Wikipedia

So Elam is the modern state of Iran!  

Another question one might ask is — what is the timing of this prophecy?  If you look at verse 39, you’ll see the phrase “shall come to pass in the latter days”.  The phrase “latter days” in Hebrew is “acha-reet-ha-ya-meem” which can be literally translated, “in the end of days”.

As we read this passage, the first act of God is to break the bow of Iran.  What’s interesting to me about this phrase, is that no arrows are mentioned, just the bow. Could this be the breaking of the “threat” of weapons?  Of course this interpretation is totally up for debate.

Then we read about the scattering of the people of Elam.  Most people don’t realize that in 1979 when the Shah was overthrown and an Islamic constitution was instituted, that nearly 4 million Iranians fled Iran and settled around the globe.

Later we read that the sword of the Lord will be sent, and then the establishment of the throne of God in Iran. Right now, we’re seeing an explosion of the gospel in Iran! There’s nearly a million believers in Iran meeting in underground churches — and when these events take place there will be more than enough believers in Iran to bring a full blown revival.

Right now, there’s an Islamic barrier to the gospel, but God says He will remove these barriers by “destroying from thence the king and the princes”.  It appears to me that the fall of the Iranian government, the mullahs and the Ayatollah Khomeini are predicted!

While this prophecy may be connected to the Gog and Magog war of Ezekiel 38, I’m leaning toward it’s connection with Psalm 83. The purpose of war in both passages is to bring forth revival.  For example, Psalm 83:16 says, “Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.”

I believe we are closer to the fulfillment of these prophecies than most people realize, and by no means am I dogmatic about the timing — but I would have to completely ignore the news and the current events of our day not to see the possible connection!

by George Whitten, Watchman in the Wilderness

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